NZ On Air has announced a fresh round of funding for local content, aimed at bringing more diverse, engaging, and uniquely Kiwi stories to New Zealand’s screens. With a total of $29.6 million allocated across various projects, these initiatives signal a strong commitment to delivering genuine, entertaining narratives that reflect New Zealand’s culture, interests, and challenges.
In its latest funding announcement, NZ On Air approved seven new drama projects, with several notable productions leading the way. Among the highlights is “Inked,” a vibrant drama centered around a family-owned tattoo studio that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the ties that bind us. Another significant project is “Becoming Muru,” a thought-provoking drama inspired by real-life events, which delves into historical injustices and the journey of resilience.
Other newly funded projects include “Gone to Ground,” a thrilling series focusing on survival and suspense, and “Living By The Gun,” which explores the dark underbelly of the criminal world through a unique Kiwi lens. This range of genres, from family-friendly entertainment to intense drama, ensures there’s something for every viewer in the upcoming slate.
Alongside the fresh batch of drama projects, NZ On Air also announced funding for a variety of non-fiction programs, responding directly to New Zealanders’ favorite genres and themes. With a total of $7.3 million invested in this round, the selection includes both returning series that have become staples for local audiences and fresh concepts that explore the country's current cultural and social landscapes.
Popular series set to return include “Match Fit,” a beloved show where former All Blacks come together to improve their fitness while sharing personal stories, and “Eat Well For Less,” which provides families with practical advice on saving money while maintaining healthy eating habits. The documentary “Origins,” which delves into New Zealand’s rich history, also received funding to continue its exploration of the nation’s roots.
Newly funded non-fiction series include “Better Together,” a show that highlights community-driven initiatives, and “Survive Aotearoa,” a thrilling survival challenge that tests participants’ resourcefulness in the rugged Kiwi wilderness.
“It has been a challenging year for our media environment and, unsurprisingly, we were inundated with applications into this Non-Fiction round,” said NZ On Air Acting Co-Head of Funding, Kelly Davis. “The projects that have been funded reach and resonate with consistently large audiences across the motu.”
The recent funding allocations are not only about creating engaging and entertaining content for New Zealand’s audiences but also about investing in the local production industry. The latest funding will see the involvement of New Zealand’s skilled writers, directors, and production crews, reinforcing the country's reputation for high-quality content creation.
By funding both dramatic and non-fiction projects, NZ On Air continues to encourage local storytelling, offering opportunities for Kiwi creators to innovate and grow. This support plays a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant media industry that can compete on the international stage while staying true to New Zealand's unique identity.
NZ On Air’s dual announcements demonstrate a clear strategy: to offer a variety of content that entertains, informs, and represents New Zealand’s diverse audience. With significant funding allocated to both drama and non-fiction genres, the organization remains a central pillar in fostering local content that resonates with viewers.
As these projects move into production, local audiences can anticipate a wave of fresh, distinctly Kiwi content that reflects the nation’s identity, creativity, and passion for storytelling. This ongoing commitment to quality, inclusivity, and homegrown talent ensures that New Zealand’s screen industry continues to thrive and flourish, telling stories that are authentically Kiwi.
